You’ve probably heard about the benefits of lycopene for men’s health, especially prostate health. Did you know that lycopene has many other health benefits for both men and women? Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that creates the black-red color in fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and watermelon. Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The effectiveness of lycopene as a nutrient in reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases has been questioned, but you health benefits of coffee benefits of eating tomato-rich
The best sources of lycopene are fresh fruits and vegetables which contain other nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Lycopene functions as an antioxidant when consumed through fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes contain high concentrations of lycopene. Eating raw tomatoes, eating tomatoes and tomatoes best raw vegetables and fruits are for maximum nutritional benefit.
As an antioxidant, lycopene helps protect against other diseases as well. Lycopene is accepted to help reduce blood LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). potential against male infertility, osteoporosis, skin cancer, varicose vein removal, eye disease, prostate, breast and endometrial cancers .
Where do you find lycopene? Lycopene is not produced in the body, so you can only get its benefits by eating food rich in lycopene. Cooked or processed sauce, such as spaghetti sauce, sauce, ketchup and pizza sauce are far from me. major sources of tomatoes in the typical American diet.
In addition to reducing the risk of cancers, lycopene can also help prevent cardiovascular disease by preventing plaque deposits in the arteries. Lycopene prevents LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) from free radical oxidation in the blood. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is deposited as plaque on artery walls where it can narrow the artery restricting blood flow. Lycopene can have beneficial effects in reducing the risk of degeneration and reduced cataracts, infertility treatment and prevent skin aging. Lycopene can also play an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis and diabetes.
The best source of lycopene is a natural source. A diet that includes a variety of different fruits and vegetables will supply enough natural vitamins and minerals, even easily. Lycopene is available as a dietary supplement. Read the label and see your doctor for advice before taking any dietary supplement.
Notes:
American Cancer Society, Lycopene, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/Treatments andSideEffects/Complementary andAlternativeMedicine/DietandNutrition/lycopene?sitearea=ETO
Mayo-clinic, Lycopene: Evidence http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lycopene/NS_patient – lycopene / DSETION = evidence
Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Bastyr University, Watermelon Juice a Rich Source of Lycopene and Beta-Carotene, 2003 http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/970/
Harvard Health Publications, Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer, 2002
BHA, Lycopene, what it is, benefits, how to increase lycopene in your diet http://www.bhia.org/lycopene.htm
